Julián Álvarez has made his position clear amid the latest scramble for his signature, turning down approaches from both Manchester City and Arsenal as his uncertain Atlético Madrid future takes another dramatic twist.
The Argentina international has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards of the transfer window, but despite interest from two Premier League heavyweights, Álvarez does not want a return to England.
According to reports from Cadena SER, Manchester City contacted Atlético about bringing their former striker back to the Etihad Stadium, only for Álvarez to reject the possibility before the Premier League champions could even make an official offer.
City reunion ruled out
Álvarez enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Manchester City after arriving from River Plate in 2022.
He made 103 appearances, scored 36 goals and helped Pep Guardiola's side win six major trophies, including the historic 2022/23 treble.
His return to Atlético in 2024 initially appeared to have ended his Premier League chapter.
City's latest interest briefly opened the door to a remarkable reunion, but Álvarez has now reportedly closed it.
The forward has no desire to return to Manchester, despite City's willingness to explore the possibility.
Arsenal suffer another setback
Arsenal have also been pursuing Álvarez as Mikel Arteta looks to add another elite forward to his squad.
The Gunners' interest has been serious, with Atlético reportedly willing to consider a deal worth more than £120 million.
Yet the problem for Arsenal is not simply Atlético's valuation.
Álvarez himself does not want the move.
Reports indicate that the striker has rejected Arsenal on multiple occasions, leaving the Premier League champions facing a major obstacle despite their willingness to invest heavily
Barcelona remains the dream
Álvarez's preferred destination remains Barcelona.
The Argentine reportedly wants to fulfil his ambition of playing for the Catalan giants, but Atlético have firmly rejected the possibility of selling him to Barça.
Atlético's board recently stated that there was "zero" consideration for negotiating with Barcelona after the Spanish club's public pursuit of the forward.
That leaves Álvarez caught in an increasingly complicated situation.
He does not want Arsenal.
He has rejected Manchester City.
His preferred Barcelona move is being blocked by Atlético.
And Atlético still have to decide what happens next.
Why Álvarez does not want England
The latest reports suggest the decision is not primarily about football.
Álvarez is reportedly concerned about UK visa regulations and the difficulties they could create for members of his family visiting him in England.
That is an important factor given that the striker previously enjoyed considerable success in Manchester.
His reluctance therefore appears to be based on personal circumstances rather than doubts about returning to the Premier League itself.
Atlético facing an uncomfortable situation
Atlético's public position has been clear: they would prefer Álvarez to remain in Madrid.
The striker, however, has reportedly made it known that he wants a different challenge.
The situation has become increasingly tense, with Álvarez recently missing training amid the transfer speculation, although reports attributed that absence to illness rather than his transfer situation.
Atlético now face a difficult decision.
They can attempt to convince their star forward to stay, or consider a huge sale to a club he is actually willing to join.
For now, neither Arsenal nor City appears to be that club.
The transfer window is running out
With the transfer deadline approaching, Álvarez's situation could become one of the biggest stories of the final days of the window.
Barcelona remain his preferred destination, but Atlético have effectively closed that door.
Arsenal remain interested, yet the player has rejected the move.
Manchester City explored a sensational reunion, but received the same answer.
The striker is therefore facing an unusual situation: the clubs interested in signing him are not the clubs he wants to join, while the club he wants is the one Atlético refuse to negotiate with.
Julián Álvarez has made his choice. Now Atlético Madrid must decide whether they can change his mind — or find a solution before the window slams shut.
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